By Matters India Reporter:

Mananthavady: A Catholic priest in Kerala, southern India, has inspired his bishop and other clerics through his “funeral will.”

Father James Kumbukal has left a lasting mark through his funeral will, said Bishop Jose Porunnedom of Mananthavady mourning the death of his 78-year-old priest.

Father Kumbukal of Mananthavady diocese demanded in his will a simple burial that too on the same day of his death.

Kumbukal, who had led an inspiring and simple life, died of liver cancer on June 21, and was buried as per his desires, but a day later.

Father Kumbukal’s will also urged his superiors to avoid extravagance at his funeral.

“I wish to get a very simple burial,” read the will in Malayalam, the language of Kerala.

The priest wanted a cheap coffin for his body setting an example for Kerala’s Catholics who often use occasions such funerals to show off their wealth and power.

He also appealed people not to place wreath or flower on his body and instead donate the money to Vianney Bhavan, the diocese’s home for the elderly and retired priests where he had spent his last three years. He wanted the money used for the welfare of those helping the priest home residents.

Father Kumbukal also did not want any eulogy during his funeral Mass. He said he did not want any recognition from anyone. “My life was meant for Jesus Christ. He knows who I am. I want recognition only from Him,” he said in his will, which was read out during the funeral attended by less than 20 people in compliance with the Covid-19 protocols.

Father Kumbukal had saved 25,000 rupees in his bank account that he wanted the diocese to spend on tea and snacks for those attending his burial. He said he did not want burden his diocese for his funeral.

If some money is left, it should be given to the poor, the will said.

Bishop Porunnedom, who led the funeral Mass, said they have fulfilled all desires of Father Kumbukal, except burying on the same day.

The priest died on the evening of June 21 and his relatives living in far off places could not reach Mananthavady because of the Covid-19 lockdown in Kerala.

Father Kumbukal was born on February 28, 1943 and was ordained a priest on December 18, 1970.

Father Manoj Kakkonal, who heads the media commission of Mananthavady diocese, too said Father Kumbukal’s life was “inspiring for everyone who wants to tread the path shown by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father Kumbukal remained committed to his call throughout his life and remained a true shepherd for his people, Father Kakkonal told Matters India June 23.

The media priest recalled Father Kumbukal visiting families in his parishes regularly and comforting those in distress.

Father Kumbukal also supported the poor children in their education and became a reliable helping hand for poor in all parishes he served, Father Kakkonal said.

“Now in his death too he showed us the importance of being close to Christ through his will rather than seeking recognition from the external world which is of no use,” he added.

Father Jaimon Kalambukatt, director of the Vianney Bhavan, recalled that Father Kumbukal had remained happy even when writhing in pain. He never allowed his suffering to show on his face, he added.

Father Kumbukal also objected to taking him to a multispecialty hospital and insisted on being treatment at any ordinary Church run hospital.

“Father Kumbukal was a shepherd who really had the smell of his sheep. Many people helped by him at different stages of life had come to see him,” Father Kalambukatt said and added, “Obviously, they all followed the Covid protocols strictly.”